WATCH: Popular postmistress retires after 40 years of service
Knockcroghery says a fond farewell to its beloved post mistress of 40 years, Mary Fitzgerald Dolan. Pic: Gerard O'Loughlin
It was a day of mixed emotions for Knockcroghery’s beloved post mistress Mary Fitzgerald Dolan, who, after 40 years, closed the doors on her post office for the final time on Friday last.
In a career that spanned across five decades Mary took over Knockcroghery Post Office in 1986, seeing the position available after returning from Texas.
Loyal customers, friends and family celebrated Mary’s career over tea and refreshments at the post office on Friday.
Mary reflected fondly on the memories created from behind the counter: “From the time I opened up, I enjoyed it.
“Meeting all the customers, having the chats with them, helping them out filling out forms and, you know, it's an amazing job,” she added.
Her daughters Aisling and Niamh returned home from Australia for the day. Mary stated that going into retirement she looked forward to visiting her daughters and spending more time with husband, Joe and son Aidan.
Mee's Daybreak will take over the village's postal responsibilities on Monday, and Mary wished them luck and was very thankful that a post office is remaining in Knockcroghery.
In a post on social media the community said: "It is a sad day for a lot of people in the parish of Knockcroghery and beyond as we see the retirement of one of the most popular people in the community. For the past 40 years we have been so lucky to have Mary Dolan as our local post mistress. Always kind, helpful and patient Mary looked after our needs in her calm efficient way but always with the friendly word and a kind smile. Forty years ago it was mostly letters and parcels, pensions and children’s allowance. Over the decades Mary had to adapt to an ever-changing world learning new technologies as the role of the post office changed. Banking, Boohoo, Vinted - Mary took it all in her stride! We are so grateful to Mary for all her hard work and we wish her well in her retirement. A well deserved break before her next adventure."
* Watch below as Mary is joined by her daughters to say a few words on her final day.
